The Washington Commanders will walk into Monday Night Football already shorthanded in the backfield.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been ruled out for the Week 6 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers because of a groin injury, head coach Dan Quinn said. The setback lands just 48 hours before kickoff and leaves Washington trying to piece together its running game against an undefeated opponent.
The timing could hardly be worse for the Commanders. They’re 1-3-1 heading into a road trip to face a 5-0 San Francisco team at Levi’s Stadium, and they’ll have to do it without one of their most reliable rushing options.
Croskey-Merritt did not practice Thursday or Friday because of the groin issue before being ruled out Saturday. He has been dealing with the injury all season, though he had still managed to suit up through Washington’s first five games.
His absence stings even more after his performance against the New York Giants last Sunday, when he ran for 82 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s 27-27 overtime tie.
For the season, Croskey-Merritt has 239 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 3.6 yards per carry. Taking him out of the mix strips away one of Washington’s main answers on the ground as it tries to solve a 49ers defense that has helped keep San Francisco unbeaten.
With Croskey-Merritt sidelined, Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler are expected to shoulder more of the load. White has rushed for 118 yards on 29 carries this season, while Ekeler has 28 yards on seven attempts.
Both bring their own injury questions, though. White was limited Friday with a shoulder injury after being a full participant Thursday, and Ekeler has been working through a chest injury while being limited in both Thursday and Friday’s practices.
Jeremy McNichols could also enter the picture. He returned to full practice this week after starting the season on injured reserve and may be another back Washington can turn to.
Jayden Daniels is expected to play, but the Commanders now have one more adjustment to make before facing San Francisco. Monday night’s game is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
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